As he poured, the color was a deep garnet, only just beginning to show a brick-orange rim—the mark of a wine that has reached its peak but refuses to decline. He took a sip. It was seamless. The tannins, once grippy and youthful, had melted into a silken texture. It tasted of blackberry compote, espresso beans, and a faint, savory touch of sage.
2004 had been a "sleeper" year—a long, steady growing season that produced wines of incredible balance. While others chased the blockbuster heat of '03 or the prestige of '05, the '04 was for the patient. It was a wine of structure, built with classic Bordeaux sensibilities: Cabernet Sauvignon leading the charge, softened by Merlot, Cabernet Franc, Malbec, and Petit Verdot. buy 2004 opus one
He pulled a bottle from the straw. The label was pristine, that elegant cream paper with the violet-tinged ink. As he poured, the color was a deep